ADA, Okla. – After a seven-year hiatus, East Central University Athletics is celebrating a significant stride with the reinstatement of men's and women's golf, announced by ECU Director of Athletics Matt Cole. The teams are intended to commence competition in the Fall of 2024.
"I am pleased to announce the return of East Central University men's and women's golf programs," said Cole. "This is possible by our commitment from University leadership, alumni, donors and our outstanding partners at Oak Hills Golf and Country Club."
ECU President Wendell Godwin echoed the enthusiasm, expressing, "This is an exciting day for Tiger Athletics! Our Athletic Director, Matt Cole, has been working hard to reinstate our Golf Program. The donor/stakeholder support has been critical to our decision and our partnership with Oak Hills Country Club made today possible."
After being suspended in 2016, a significant fundraising effort transpired to help revive the teams.
In April, ECU Athletics initiated discussions involving alumni, former faculty, coaches, representatives from Oak Hills Golf and Country Club, and other University stakeholders to explore the reinstatement of these programs. The culmination of these discussions has led to this thrilling announcement to return the legacy of success and excellence embodied by these programs.
Jody Murray, General Manager of Oak Hills Golf and Country Club shared in the excitement, stating, "We are thrilled to renew our partnership with East Central University as they reintroduce their men's and women's golf programs. Oak Hills Golf and Country Club is committed to providing their premier venue for student-athletes to reach their full potential and compete at the highest level. Both parties are looking forward to this reinstated partnership and the positive impact it will have within the community of Ada."
The addition of two golf programs will expand ECU's intercollegiate varsity teams to 13 and will provide new opportunities for student-athletes across the country to contribute to the growth of the campus and continue the standards of excellence that come with ECU Athletics.
"We are all excited to return this sport to our campus," added Godwin. "The decision also supports our enrollment goals by adding more student-athletes. In the past, our golfers were some of our top students on campus. We have high expectations for our athletes on the course and in the classroom."
A coaching search is underway for the men's and women's golf head coach and will be announced at a later date.
